The Current
CBC
Three stories to expand your worldview, delivered daily. Matt Galloway cuts through a sea of choice to bring you stories that transcend the news cycle. Conversations with big thinkers, household names, and people living the news. An antidote to algorithms that cater to what you already know — and a meeting place for diverse perspectives. In its 20 years, the Current has become a go-to place for stories that shape and entertain us. Released daily, Monday to Friday.The Current is produced in Toronto, Ontario, Canada — and has recently recorded live shows about the Canadian election in Surrey and Burnaby BC. And shows to come in Oshawa and the 905, Red Deer, Alberta, Quebec City and Halifax.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 6, 2026 • 20min
After Venezuela, how far will Trump go?
Janice Stein, founding director of the Munk School, and Jorge Heine, former Chilean ambassador, offer intriguing insights into U.S. actions in Venezuela. Stein critiques the revival of the Monroe Doctrine and warns about the undermining of Latin American sovereignty, while Heine highlights mixed regional reactions. They discuss the implications of limited military interventions and the vulnerability of other democracies like Colombia and Mexico. Both experts advocate for a non-aligned approach for Latin America to navigate this new geopolitical landscape.
Jan 6, 2026 • 14min
2025 in good news stories
Angus Harvey, a journalist and founder of FixTheNews.com, shares insights on the often-overlooked positive developments from 2025. He highlights how crime rates in the U.S. are declining, challenging the doom narrative in media. Angus discusses significant health improvements, including malaria vaccinations and a drop in disease burden. He also emphasizes China's emissions decrease due to structural energy changes and the global rise of school feeding programs. Angus calls for a balanced perspective, recognizing both the serious challenges and hidden progress worldwide.
Jan 6, 2026 • 27min
Freebirthing society linked to harm
Shireen Kale, an investigative journalist at The Guardian, dives deep into her chilling findings on the Free Birth Society, a movement promoting unmonitored childbirth. She discusses the wave of pregnancies and tragic outcomes, revealing that her investigation uncovered dozens of linked baby deaths, including in Canada. Kale explains the radical practices of the society’s founders and how systemic failures in maternity care have led many women to seek this dangerous alternative. She emphasizes the urgent need for reform in maternal healthcare.
Jan 6, 2026 • 10min
Alberta doctor says ER system is in “crisis”
Dr. Paul Parks, an ER physician from Medicine Hat and future president of the Emergency Physicians Section of the Alberta Medical Association, paints a dire picture of Alberta's emergency rooms. He details the daily chaos of overcrowding, with patients waiting in hallways and long delays for care. Parks highlights the systemic failures leading to this crisis, blaming years of disinvestment rather than just population growth. He calls for immediate solutions, urging patients to advocate for necessary resources to support overwhelmed ERs.
Jan 5, 2026 • 24min
From the Titanic to the North Pole: Joe MacInnis reflects on a life of exploration
Joe MacInnis, an 88-year-old Canadian physician and deep-sea explorer, takes us on a breathtaking journey through his extraordinary life. He recounts his teenage 'sea fever' and how it led him to dive beneath the North Pole and explore the ghostly wrecks of the Titanic and the Edmund Fitzgerald. Joe shares invaluable lessons on fear, teamwork, and the importance of leadership over technology in survival. He also emphasizes the urgent need for ocean conservation, urging us to prioritize the depths as much as the stars in our explorations.
Jan 5, 2026 • 21min
What’s ahead for Canada's economy and your wallet in 2026.
Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist at the Conference Board of Canada, joins Shannon Lee Simmons, founder of the New School of Finance, to discuss the future of Canada’s economy. They dive into trade uncertainties affecting both investments and consumers, with a critical view on the impact of tariffs. The conversation touches on employment risks in various sectors, the necessity for reskilling amid AI advances, and the complex housing market pressures. Together, they offer practical finance tips for Canadians navigating these economic challenges.
Jan 5, 2026 • 19min
The US has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Now what?
Phil Gunson, a senior analyst for the Andes region at the International Crisis Group, and Luis Duno-Gottberg, a Venezuelan scholar at Rice University, share their insights after the U.S. military captured Nicolás Maduro. They discuss the swift complexities of the raid, the implications for power dynamics within Venezuela, and fears among citizens about continued governance. Luis highlights Venezuelans' yearning for peace and basic needs while pondering U.S. motives. Both guests emphasize the resilience within Venezuela as it faces uncertain political waters.
Jan 2, 2026 • 20min
Canada's grocery sector has been plagued by in-fighting. Now it has a referee
Karen Proud, the President and adjudicator of the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct, discusses her vital role in bridging the growing rift between grocery suppliers and retailers exacerbated during the pandemic. She outlines the new voluntary code designed to address disputes, using transparency and public accountability as key deterrents. Critics suggest she needs stronger enforcement powers, such as fines. Proud also highlights how improved supplier relations could enhance transparency and investment, even though the code won't directly control prices.
Jan 2, 2026 • 25min
Lost at sea for 52 hours: How seven fishermen survived
Join Skipper Eugene Carter, the fearless captain, along with deckhand Andy Hunt and crew member Robbie Firmage as they recount their gripping tale of survival at sea. They detail the harrowing engine-room fire that forced their escape and the panic that gripped them in the liferaft. Emphasizing camaraderie, they share survival tactics, emotional lows, and the miracle of their eventual rescue. Each man's personal reflections add a profound layer to their inspiring story of resilience and hope.
Jan 2, 2026 • 25min
Scott Galloway’s operating manual for being a man today
Scott Galloway, a professor and entrepreneur known for his insights on business and society, discusses the challenges faced by young men today. He highlights the struggles with alienation and loneliness, linking these issues to societal pressures and big tech influences. Galloway emphasizes the importance of agency and accountability, while advocating for mentorship that encourages emotional openness. He reframes masculinity as a positive force and shares practical steps for young men to improve their lives and relationships.
